I just think the Rockets would be better suited with a defense and rebounding backup, rather than Kenny Thomas. I go with the thought of covering up a starter's weakness with a backup's strength. I just don't see what great things KT brings to the table that Mo doesn't. Mo's big problems are defense and rebounding. While you can make a fair argument that KT is better than Mo in those categories, he's not in the upper echelon of the league. I just think the Rockets would be better suited with a backup like Jerome Williams, or Jamie Feick (or if they were available guys like Foyle, and Outlaw) or maybe even Washington can become like one of them. For this season, I suppose having Kenny around is all right, because Hakeem can take some PF minutes as a defense and rebounding guy, but, unless Mo becomes an above average rebounder, and an average defender, I don't see how having KT as a backup PF would work, unless we get an absolute stud defensive backup center next to him. And the going rate of defensive centers seems to be around 5-6 mill per season. ------------------ The Serious Police are watching. Follow the rules or be assimilated. Shandon is underrated. [This message has been edited by NIKEstrad (edited August 26, 2000).]
I agree 100% with Nike. The decision whether or not to keep KT is not as simple as opening a stat sheet. The fact of the matter is that the Rockets need more defensive, size and toughness behind Taylor all of which KT does not provide. Taylor will be able to score enough, but this frontline lacks in defense, toughness and rebounding. I would be very happy if KT is moved in order to free up another 1 mil next summer along with opening up a roster spot for a defensive banger. ------------------ Check out the Best Source for Draft Info Draftsource.net
I say we lose KT, LOS, and drew for the defense minded PF that we're all talking about.......and then sign Tyronne Washington to a very cheap contract, so he can be on the IR ------------------
I agree with you guys that KT gives us depth, but if we could trade KT/Drew/ some of the 4.5 mill trade exception for say, Maggette, I'd do that. Otherwise, I'd leave things as they are & see what Rudy can do with them. Maggette would give us a really good starting SF. Langhi, if he develops like Mobley did would give us a solid backup at the SF position. We could also trade Walt next year or maybe even this year for depth at the PF or Center positions. Then, we could add additional players through the draft for depth. As far as the draft goes, we need to make every effort to get "Baby Shaq", that would solidify the center position. The starting lineup in a couple of years would look like this: C: "Baby Shaq"/Cato/Brad Miller PF: MO/Collier/Los SF: Maggette/Langhi SG: Anderson/Mobley PG: Francis/Moochie Not a bad lineup. Now to get the ball rolling, we must convince the Clipps that the deal is good for them. Hey, a guy can dream can't he? ------------------ [This message has been edited by Hottoddie (edited August 26, 2000).]
No way are we trading Walt! We need him. If he plays the way he did the last 3rd of the season we'll Rock this season. I'm not sure who ya'll think we could get that would do better. He's not a great defender or rebounder but he can score and he's the main reason we finished so strong last year. I also would be careful about trading KT because MO has only a 1yr contract. ------------------
Don't think Rudy would let KT leave now. Not with his bust out year here. I think his bak up to Mo is gonna drive teams nutz. By the way, hey let's jsut say ONE MORE TIME> Rudy is incredible as a recruiter/coach of vet help ! ------------------
During the Rocky Mountain Revue, I thought Rudy was showcasing KT to somebody... anybody... I thought for sure he'd be traded. Who knows, the trade you guys are wanting may still be in the works... Now go rumor on that ------------------ Falk that Mo Fo!!!
I don't think we're in the position yet to be looking for specialists (re: trading KT for a "defensive 4"). A player's second year is usually where he makes his biggest improvement. It would be silly to trade KT with that in mind. The guy has skills, and even if Taylor is the long term starter, KT's value should only increase. I think he's going to be really good, by the way. Are you telling me he couldn't have started over AC Green on the Lakers this year? KT-bashing is silly. ------------------ "I am NOT ****ing Kip Winger, okay? You want to talk about rock & roll, I'll sit there all day, as long as someone's buying the drinks. But don't expect me to be like everybody else. If you want an amusing anecdote, talk to Mark Slaughter. I'm sure he'll say something like, 'Yeah, we had a couple of lite beers and ran down the hall in our underwear. Whoooooo!'" - Chris Robinson, Black Crowes, Rolling Stone, January 24, 1991 Metal Sludge
I don't think it is KT bashing to try to trade him. With the trade exception, you might be able to get a better player with him. I would rather see Los and Drew go becuse of bigger contracts and 3rd stringers. ------------------ "You've got 6 fouls, use them well" -Derrick Coleman
Losttexan, If Walt plays all year like he did at the end of last year, then yes let's keep him. The concern that I have is that he's been inconsistent through out his career. Maybe with Rudy & the new system, he can flourish & be consistent, but that's a big MAYBE. Maggette brings a real good all around game & he costs a lot less for now. I feel that he would actually be an upgrade for the SF position. As far as trading KT, if MO comes in here & does what he is capable of doing, he will be made an intergal part of the offense & next year the Rockets can pay him a lot more money. I believe that will give us the edge at signing him long term. But, you could be right, & he might sign with another team next year. With all the firepower that we seem to have amassed, Maggette would not demand the ball as often as some of our guys, but he would be able to light it up when needed, the same way Shandon does. ------------------
Hottoddie, That is why need to make a trade now, IF we have any intentions to trade him. His trade value has reached its peak and it's very unlikely that he will perform any better than he did towards end of the season. Remember he isn't getting any younger. We need a player who can get mold at the same with Francis, Anderson, Cato, Cat and maybe Taylor. Walt's veteran leadership is valuable but not for $4M per year. I wouldn't mind if Walt stays as a Rocket but I do feel there is a room for improvement. BTW in it is my sentiment that the Rockets are pretty much packed at the three with Anderson, Langhi, Kenny and maybe Bullard, presuming that he doesn't get traded or released. ------------------ Hack a Shaq you'll be winning Hack-him you'll be dreaming.
The best possible trade for us at the moment would be to package KT and Drew and our SECOND highest pick, for a high pick.....Next year is a terrible FA class, we need to get our players through the draft....we don't have any cap space anyway if we're gonna re-sign Anderson AND Taylor...... ------------------
I like the idea of trading them for a 01 high pick, but there is no way to know who will have a high pick. You could assume the Bulls or GS, but I don't think either wants an slightly below average PF, an unproven backup PG for a lower (mid round) pic. While the trade sounds good, unless there is a bad team out there that wants to remain bad, I don't think this is likely. I would like to trade them for a last year contract player who could help us out this year and we MIGHT be able to resign if possible. This too is an unlikely situtation. I think the more than likely is we keep KT just in case, eat the exception and trade Drew for a 2nd round pick where we usually have better luck anyway. ------------------ [This message has been edited by ArtVandolet (edited August 27, 2000).]
Why is Kenny Thomas everyone's target these days?? it seems like you all were just waiting for a good excuse to get rid of KT. well, to me, Mo Taylor aint that good of an excuse. Kenny will be a great backup for Mo. just give him a chance. Don't judge him by his Rookie season(which actually happened to be a surprising one). ------------------ Ostertag for Three!!!!!
Rocket JJANG, Anderson is not a true SF, KT is our backup PF for now, & Bull is probably going to be retiring in the next couple of years. Langhi is our only true SF other than Walt. I just feel that Maggette would be a major improvement at the SF position. If we could get Maggette, then I'm all for trading Walt. ArtVandolet, Your right about not knowing who will or won't be a bad team next year. Making trades to load up on picks is an option, but we don't have enough depth on this team to make much headway in that direction. The last part of your post is the most likely scenario to happen. CompaqC, My only reason for suggesting trading KT was if we could improve another starting position on the team. Maggette would definitely be an improvement at the SF position. ------------------
I'm not quite sure why you say that. For this team we need a SF who can keep the defense honest by hitting from the outside. Last I checked Maggette has troubles throwing the ball into the ocean from 22 feet. How that is going to stop defenders sagging down towards the key or double teaming to slow up the penetration of Mobley and Francis is beyond me. Walt and Bullard fit the bill of what sort of SF we need - if we could get someone with their offensive game who can play defense then I'm all for it, but I'm all against signing a SF who has no range. ------------------
please tell me that signing mo taylor next yr is the #1 priority-- a guy by the name of Chris Webber is out there. I say walt and drew are gone and we trade them for draft picks. no salary cap wasted. ------------------ Lookin at a 75 year old man in a thong: NASTY Lookin at Shaq hit free throws: "O SH**!"
Of course theoretically speaking, Chris Webber should be our man but just imagine what could be consequence IF Chris Webber doesn't sign with us. It will probably piss off Mo, meaning that he will take the money other teams offering than Rocket's. Remember here that there are number of teams which are projected to go UNDER the cap, meaning that unlike this year Mo may have a lot of potential buyers. Plus, Mo is much younger. ------------------ Hack a Shaq you'll be winning Hack-him you'll be dreaming.
Yes, you're probably right saying that Shandon is a shooting guard, but there are just too many players to spread around the minutes and it seems like SF is the place where it is most duplicated at the moment. It's not that I want him to get traded. What I'm saying is that if we can get a bargain using, Walt, Drew, trade exception package, then I would pull off the trigger. If the right deal doesn't come along then just simply keep him since his a nice guy who can set up good examples to a growing players like Steve, Cat and Cato. P.S. I think Rockets should adress their need of SF through via draft. ------------------ Hack a Shaq you'll be winning Hack-him you'll be dreaming.
They did address their SF need in the draft. Dan Langhi, watch him play, you will all be amazed, he is tough, smart, very athletic, and has a mean streak. He will be a VERY good NBA player. DaDakota ------------------ All you MO-FO's better stop ripping off my lines !!
